Isaac Newton Primary School

Our community is in the top 30% most deprived areas in the country. Isaac Newton Primary is a large, two-form entry primary school that strives to unlock children’s potential through a fun and aspirational environment allowing them to grow into unique and creative thinkers. The school was originally built in 1976 and has had expansion over the years, now catering for 420 pupils. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) outdoor area (for ages 4, 5 and 6) needs to be brought into the 21st century. It is very old and in a poor state of repair limiting the activities and learning experiences we can offer. This area is a child’s first outdoor play experience at school, and we feel passionately about injecting new life into the extremely dated area to create a safe play area to help children get the best possible start in life. Playing outdoors allows children to develop self-confidence, independence and self-esteem. They also become aware of limits, boundaries and challenge in their play. When children are used to playing outdoors, they are more likely to try new activities, engage with others, solve problems, explore the natural environment, make friends, and show resilience. We wish to install a large, covered seating area for outdoor learning, and artificial grass for play to improve safety (the children currently run around on very old, cracking tarmac.) The newly planned play area will give the immediate 60 Early Years children a safe space to play and develop social skills (as well as all the children who will attend the school in future years). The school has managed to raise £3,619 towards the project so far. We are continuously fundraising through small school events.